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11.03.2011

Real Madrid earned a fourth victory in this season's Champions League by defeating Olympique Lyonnais at Stade Gerland for the first time. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace, tallying his 100th official strike as a Madridista. The Whites have qualified for the Last 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the two goals of the team

Benzema and Ozil made the starting lineup. Lass played as right back replacing the injured Arbeloa. Mourinho's team played as in recent games, having many chances early on. Benzema nearly netted an opener on the 9-minute mark, forcing Lloris to make the most spectacular save in the match. Cristiano served a free-kick close to the box in the 23rd minute and sent the ball to the back of the net. It was his 99th strike as a Madridista.

Olympique deflated and the Whites had chance after chance under the direction of Ozil and Di Maria. Lloris was his team's best man and agan cleared a Benzema strike, this time inside the box. The keeper later cleared a shot by Ozil (43') and it looked like the Madridistas were being too merciful, so much that Gourcuff eventually faced Casillas alone, but sent the ball over the crossbar.

The locals were more aggressive in attack after half-time, leaving wide open spaces for Real to counterattack in with ease. One was spearheaded by Ozil on the 61-minute mark; he passed the ball to Di Maria and centre back Cris was forced to clear it.

Mourinho made Albiol come on for Coentrao (63') and Cristiano continued his search for his 100th official goal, coming close to getting it from a long shot from outside the box that Lloris strained himself to clear.

Casillas made a double save in the 67th minute and moments later referee Rizzoli awarded the Whites a penalty when Ronaldo was challenged in the area. The Portuguese stepped up and converted it into his much-sought strike.

Higuain came on for Benzema in the 70th minute. Eight minutes later, Briand sent the ball to the crossbar from a header in his team's best chance of the evening. The locals kept looking for a goal in the final minutes to no avail. Callejon came on for Di Maria in the 83rd minute, and Briand again had a chance to score, but having defeated Casillas sent the ball off target (89'). Ozil then nearly tallied a third for Real, but Lloris again saved the day.

10.30.2011

Real Madrid earned a sixth straight win in La Liga thanks to a goal by Higuain. The great football showcased by Mourinho's team of late scared Real Sociedad, who built a wall around their goal to avoid a pour. Real Madrid had a chance to score three goals before half-time, but they were merciful. The locals were more aggressive in the second half, but the Whites stood their ground and took three points at Anoeta.

Higuain scored the only goal of the match

Four new faces made Mourinho's lineup: Higuain, Ozil, Lass and Coentrao. Real Sociedad defended fiercely and centre forward Vela was their only creative man in attack. The Whites didn't mind and took possession of the ball, playing in the locals' half of the pitch. Nine minutes into the game, Coentrao served a sensational pass to the box and Higuain sent the ball into goal with a slight touch as Bravo desperately tried to clear it.

The locals continued to play defensively. Casillas didn't intervene in the entire first half, while Bravo was forced to save his team at least two or three times. The Chilean goalkeeper cleared an amazing shot from Di Maria from inside the box on the 40-minute mark.

After half-time, Real Sociedad showcased a more aggressive style and pressurised closer to attack. Mourinho's men lost control of the game, but they never suffered. The manager looked for solutions, making Kaka come on for Ozil (63') and Khedira for Lass (68').

Griezmann took the pitch and put Casillas to the test with a powerful shot from outside the box. The Real Madrid captain strained himself to clear it and sent the ball to corner. It must be said the French player should have seen a red card for a very late challenge on Ramos, but the referee incomprehensibly only showed him a yellow card. The match went crazy from then on as Real Sociedad looked for an equaliser and the Madridistas tried to sentence the game.

Di Maria crossed the ball into the area on the 73-minute mark, but both Cristiano and Ramos failed to reach it, leaving it to pass by Bravo. Benzema came on for Higuain (81') while the locals continued to put a lot of pressure on the Whites. But Real Madrid withstood it and managed to stop their onslaughts with the extraordinary physical and tactical work done by Ramos and Pepe.

Real Madrid have had a perfect run in October, winning all their clashes. They showcased pride and hard work against Real Sociedad. They must now focus on their Champions League game against Olympique Lyonnais, in which a victory would give them a ticket to the Last 16.